Above & Beyond - Companionship & Support

09/07/2025

This should be hung in every dementia place where there are people with dementia:

If I get dementia, I’d like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live. I want them to remember these things.

“Hi Mum, it’s Margaret.” NEVER ask- Do you know who I am??? That causes anxiety.

1. If I get dementia, I want my friends and family to embrace my reality.

2. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier for it.

3. If I get dementia, don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you.

4. If I get dementia, and I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me.

5. If I get dementia, and can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet, and see if I can still feed myself.

6. If I get dementia, and I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded.

7. If I get dementia, I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am.

8. If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends.

9. If I get dementia, ask me to tell you a story from my past.

10. If I get dementia, and I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me.

11. If I get dementia, treat me the way that you would want to be treated.

12. If I get dementia, make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now if I don’t eat I get angry, and if I have dementia, I may have trouble explaining what I need.

13. If I get dementia, don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room.

14. If I get dementia, don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not your fault, and you’ve done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live.

15. If I get dementia, and I live in a dementia care community, please visit me often.

16. If I get dementia, don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault.

17. If I get dementia, make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot.

18. If I get dementia, and I like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to their original place.

19. If I get dementia, don’t exclude me from parties and family gatherings.

20. If I get dementia, know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes.

21. If I get dementia, remember that I am still the person you know and love.

In honor of all those that are fighting dementia/Alzheimer’s. 💜

09/07/2025

It can be rewarding to care for someone with dementia, but it can also be hard, heart-breaking and mentally exhausting.

Everyone will experience caring in their own way. There may be days when you feel you can cope well and other days when you feel that you can’t.

Many carers can forget about themselves and allow their own mental wellbeing to be impacted. But it’s so important to look after yourself too.

We asked our community for advice on how carers can look after themselves and they agreed on two things:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support from others. No-one is able to do everything themselves.

2.. Try to find some time for yourself, even if it’s just an afternoon a week, so you can prioritise your own wellbeing.

If you can stay healthy you will feel better, and it can help you to cope in your caring role.

26/06/2025

23/05/2025

Another lovely week with our lovely clients,
✔️Grocery shopping 🛒
✔️Clothes shopping 👚
✔️Cleaning 🧹
✔️Meal prep 🍽️
✔️Coffee and cake 🍰
✔️Trip to the beautiful Kingston Lacy House and Gardens 🌺

03/03/2025

Hospital appointment with a client, then we went for a coffee! What a glorious day! ☕️☀️

09/02/2025

Very useful guide for those ‘living with dementia’

Dementia UK is a charity that provides Admiral Nurses for families affected by dementia. Call our Dementia Helpline to find out how we can support you.

09/02/2025

If you are lonely or know someone who is, get in touch to see how we can help

'I don’t have anybody I can just go out and have a coffee with. Everybody is so involved with family and friends and I don’t get included. If I’m not well, no one checks in on me’

05/02/2025

'You can't get the help without a diagnosis. It opened everything up for us. I wish we'd had it sooner.'

Last week, we asked you to tell the NHS how getting a dementia diagnosis has helped you.

Here’s what you said:

‘It was better knowing my diagnosis than just thinking I’d completely changed as a person.'

‘Mum’s managed to get access to benefits she couldn’t before.'

‘I received proper medicines and my situation improved.’

‘Dad’s diagnosis gave us clarity.'

‘It’s still awful, but I’m glad to know what’s going on with her. It’s a lot less worrying.

‘Better to know earlier and put a life plan in place.'

‘Dad’s diagnosis meant he was safer.'

For everyone affected by dementia, getting a diagnosis is the first step to getting the support they need.

That’s why we're calling on the government to set ambitious and achievable new diagnosis rate targets in the 10 Year Plan, and for long-term investment in the tools and workforce needed to get everyone the diagnosis they deserve.

11/01/2025

We have been supporting a lovely client with sorting out his home. This has included a few trips to the local recycling centre, donating to charity and organising items. Our client is enjoying have a good sort out and feeling much more positive ☺️

Do you wonder if you are a hoarder or do you know someone who is? Learn more about hoarding and the best decluttering tips for hoarders who want help.

09/01/2025

Disaster avoided when making a cuppa for our lovely client! Quick trip to the shop for a replacement kettle and the plug socket taped up, to stop it being used, until it can be looked at by an electrician.

28/12/2024

Our Community Response Team can help to find support close to home for all kinds of needs; practical support for living at home, social and creative activities, education and training, finance and advice, and more.